You can live in Portugal as a retiree or live on your own income (movable or immovable property, intellectual property or financial investments). Portugal has a law to receive retired citizens from all over the world who wish to live here, provided they prove sufficient income.

It even has tax exemption tax benefits! Understand how the process works so that retirees can live in Portugal and know all the advantages of being a retired foreigner in Portugal, as well as the quality of life, of course.

How to live in Portugal being a retired foreigner?

The retiree must apply for a Residence Visa for pensioners or income holders at the Consulate of Portugal. Here's how to apply for Portugal's residence visa for retirees:

1 - Proof of income that allows residence in Portugal, guaranteed for a period of more than 12 months, and can be proven in two ways:• In the case of retirees, through the proof of retirement, as well as the guarantee of their receipt or prove other income in national territory.• In the case of citizens who live on income from movable or immovable property, intellectual property or financial investments, by document proving the existence and amount of income, as well as their availability in Portugal.

2 - Other documents• Online application form• Letter justifying the claim to reside in Portugal• 2 photos 3 × 4 in color and flat background, updated and with good identification conditions• Original passport, valid for more than 3 months• Authenticated copy of passport (from used sheets and identification)• Certified copy of identity card (ID)• Criminal Background Certificates, less than 90 days old, issued by the Federal Police and the Civil Police, with the signature recognized in the Registry• Medical certificate, less than 90 days old, passed by the Official Organ to declare that it does not carry a contagious disease, with the signature of the doctor recognized in the Registry• Private International Health Insurance, or PB-4 (PB-4, how it works and how to apply for free), if you are a beneficiary of the INSS, for the duration of the visa• If you are married, you must send a certified copy of the marriage certificate• If you have minor children accompanying you, you must send certified copies of the birth certificates.• Proof of accommodation in Portugal which, in the first instance, may be a hotel reservation or a letter from a person known to be legally resident in Portugal, guaranteeing accommodation.

How much do I need to have income to live in Portugal?

In order for your residence visa as a retiree in Portugal to be approved, you must meet some minimum factors, and one of them is the amount of retirement per month. The minimum amount varies according to the number of people in the household who will be applying to live in Portugal.

The values ​​of retirement to live in Portugal• 1st adult - 100% of the current minimum wage• 2nd adult - 50% of the current minimum wage• Each child - 30% of the current minimum wage

For example, a retired couple with a minor child would need to have a minimum income of € 909 (180% of the current minimum wage) to apply the household for the residence visa, considering the minimum wage of € 555 in 2017. Obtaining a visa is not automatic, and the more financial resources you have, the greater the likelihood of success. To know if you can live Portugal well with your retirement, read here the Cost of Living in Portugal.

See How to receive retirement in Portugal

IRS exemption on foreigners retirement and benefits

In 2013, Portugal created the status of "non-habitual resident", which allows the retired foreigner to be exempt from taxes for ten years. In order to be part of this program, you must live at least 6 months a year in Portugal without any lucrative activity, rent an apartment in Portugal (property in general) or buy and have not been a tax resident in Portugal for the previous five years. No doubt not paying taxes for 10 years is a great attraction to be a retired foreigner in Portugal.

Another great advantage of being retired in Portugal is the Public Health system in Portugal, which will cost you much less than any health plan in another country and has excellent quality.